About this artwork
In the early 20th century, Maria Martinez and her husband, Julian, revived an ancient Puebloan tradition of making all-black pottery. These works were markedly different from ceramics then being created in San Ildefonso and elsewhere in the Southwest. Martinez polished the clay surface to a high shine and painted matte designs over it. Her vessels were then fired through a technique called “reduction firing,” which causes the clay to turn black. These blackware vessels earned Martinez international acclaim.
-
Status
- On View, Gallery 265
-
Department
- Arts of the Americas
-
Artists
- Maria Martinez , Julian Martinez
-
Cultures
- Pueblo , Pueblo de San Ildefonso
-
Title
- Plate with Four-Part Geometric Pattern, Plate with Geometric Border
-
Places
- United States (Object made in), Pueblo of San Ildefonso, New Mexico (Object made in), New Mexico (Object made in)
-
Date
- c. 1933
-
Medium
- Ceramic and pigment
-
Inscriptions
- Signed verso: "Marie / + / Julian".
-
Dimensions
- Diam.: 31.3 cm (12 5/16 in.)
-
Credit Line
- Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Chamales through the Antiquarian Society in memory of Emily M. Goehst
-
Reference Number
- 1985.985
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.